Grand Tour of Australia with Dubai pre tour & New Zealand add-on

Days 1 – 3: UK/Dubai
Today you’ll depart on your scheduled flight to Dubai.

Before your Australia tour spend 3 nights in the modern, vibrant city of Dubai. Spend your days relaxing on the wonderful beaches or exploring the gold souks. During your stay we offer an optional cruise on a dhow, a traditional sailing boat.

Day 4: Dubai/Perth
You will arrive in Perth in the early hours of day 3. You’ll stay here for four nights. A half-day sightseeing tour is included during your stay. Optional excursions include a cruise on the Swan River in Fremantle.

Day 5: Perth
Enjoy a free morning before your afternoon transfer to the airport for your scheduled flight to Perth.

Day 7: Perth
Experience has shown us that our clients appreciate the opportunity to relax and rest after their flight, so we have allowed plenty of time for this.

You will also have the opportunity to explore the delightful surroundings of Perth, the ideal first stop for our Australian extravaganza. This wonderful city, with its neighbouring port of Fremantle, is one of the most envied locations in the world in which to live. The golden beaches, superb restaurants, lush green parks, stunning broad expanses of the Swan River and lovely warm climate give the visitor a fine introduction to the relaxed, contented lifestyle of modern-day Australia.

A half-day sightseeing tour is included during your stay. We also offer plenty of fascinating optional tours for you to join if you wish. You can take a cruise on the Swan River in Fremantle and a full-day drive to the gigantic Wave Rock.

Days 8 – 9: Perth
Relax after your flight then explore at your leisure. Perth features golden beaches, superb restaurants, lush parks and a lovely warm climate.

Day 10: Darwin
Today, you’ll fly to Darwin – the capital of Australia’s Northern Territory and gateway to some of the fantastic natural landscapes and unique flora and fauna Australia has to offer. Enjoy an included city tour before checking in at your hotel for an overnight stay.

Day 11: Kakadu National Park
You’ll stay overnight in this stunning national park – and today, you’ll see waterbirds and crocodiles in their natural habitat as you cruise on the famous Yellow Waters Lagoon. You’ll take a ‘Jumping Crocodile Cruise’ on the Adelaide River, to witness giant crocodiles leaping from the water.

Day 12: Katherine
You’ll drive to Katherine and Nitmiluk National Park via the stunning Nourlangie Rock, where you’ll stay tonight. Start your visit with a cruise through the Katherine Gorge, carved through ancient sandstone by the Katherine River. Find out more about the ancient rocks and caves decorated with Aboriginal rock paintings, as well as the area’s unique wildlife.

Day 13: Darwin
Today you’ll return to Darwin for an overnight stay.

Day 14: Alice Springs
You’ll fly to Alice Springs this morning to begin your two-night stay in this Outback town. A half-day tour is included, showing you the Flying Doctor base, the old telegraph station and – depending on the time of your visit – the famous School of the Air, which uses the Flying Doctor service and internet broadcasts to connect schoolchildren in remote locations.

Day 15: Alice Springs
Alice Springs is situated in an area of natural springs and red desert. Today, you can join an optional excursion into the MacDonnell Mountain Range to see the stunning Standley Chasm. There’s also the chance to take a dawn balloon flight.

Day 16: Ayers Rock
Today you can take a camel ride if you wish. Camels were introduced into the Outback in the 19th century to help with the construction of transport routes across the desert, and as you travel through the heart of Australia, we’ll be stopping at a camel farm.

Arriving at Ayers Rock, you can take an afternoon excursion to the mysterious Olgas – striking, domed rocks looming large above the desert. At sunset, you’ll visit Ayers Rock itself. Watching the colour of the rock change as the sun goes down is the perfect finish to your day.

Day 17: Cairns
Visiting Ayers Rock for sunrise is an unmissable experience. You can also tour the base of the rock and view Aboriginal rock paintings. This afternoon, you’ll fly to the tropical city of Cairns to begin your four-night stay.

Day 18: Ayers Rock & Cairns
You have an early start today for your visit to Ayers Rock for sunrise. As well as this spectacular sight, you will also tour the base to see the caves. An excursion will be made to the mysterious Olgas, a nearby range of 28 spectacular rock domes.

Your journey continues with a flight to Cairns, a lively seaside resort situated on the Great Barrier Reef, where you will stay for the four nights.

Days 19 – 20: Cairns
Relax and soak up the sun in Cairns, or take advantage of the wide range of excursions on offer – such as a ride on the Kuranda Railway. Regarded as one of the world’s most spectacular rail journeys, it will take you through lush tropical vegetation and past spectacular waterfalls.

Day 21: Sydney
The distinctive ‘sails’ of the Sydney Opera House await you today, as you fly to cosmopolitan Sydney for a four-night stay.

Our half-day tour of this beautiful harbour city takes in Bondi Beach, Darling Harbour and Mrs Macquarie’s Chair – exposed sandstone rock cut into the shape of a bench by convicts in 1810, as a gift to Governor Macquarie’s wife, Elizabeth (from March 2013 sightseeing will be on day 22).

Days 22 – 24: Sydney
Explore Sydney at your leisure, joining our optional excursions if you wish. These include a harbour cruise, a tour of Sydney by night and a trip to the beautiful Blue Mountains.

Day 25: Canberra
Today you’ll drive to Canberra for an overnight stay. An included tour features the government buildings and the Prime Minister’s lodge. En route, you will stop at a sheep station for a sheep-shearing demonstration followed by a barbecue lunch.

Day 26: Melbourne
After a morning visit to the Australian War Memorial Museum, you’ll depart by coach to Melbourne for a three-night stay.

Your included city tour this afternoon will take in the Colonial-style buildings, wide boulevards and trams that give Melbourne a distinctly European feel. You will also see Captain Cook’s cottage and the old gaol where the notorious outlaw Ned Kelly was executed.

Days 27 – 28: Melbourne
This morning we continue to Melbourne for a three-night stay. This afternoon we include a city sightseeing tour with highlights including Captain Cook’s cottage and the old gaol where the notorious outlaw Ned Kelly was executed. Sports fans will know Melbourne as the home of Australian Rules Football, the historic Melbourne Cricket Ground and the Melbourne Cup. It is also home to some of the finest restaurants in Australia.

Day 29: Warrnambool
Start your journey along one of the most spectacular coastal routes in the world, the Great Ocean Road, to see the Twelve Apostles, the Arch and many other fantastic rock formations. You will enter Port Campbell National Park, renowned for its ragged and spectacular coastal landscape, before continuing to Warrnambool for an overnight stay.

Day 30: Barossa Valley
This morning, you’ll depart for the drive to the Barossa Valley via Mount Gambier, with its stunning volcanic lakes and scenery. You’ll arrive at your hotel this evening for an overnight stay.

Day 31: Adelaide
Our included tour of the Barossa Valley, famous for its wines, features a visit to the famous Jacobs Creek visitor centre for wine-tasting and lunch. Then it’s on to Adelaide for a two-night stay, with an included afternoon tour of the city.

Day 32: Adelaide
Explore Adelaide at your own pace, perhaps taking in Adelaide Zoo or the distinctive architecture of Hahndorf, Australia’s oldest German community. There are plenty of shopping opportunities too, especially at Rundle Mall.

Day 33: Adelaide/Auckland
Transfer to the airport for your flight to Auckland. The rest of the day is at leisure. You will stay here for two nights. The North Island was shaped originally by the fire of volcanoes. Today you’ll find a subtropical climate, thermal springs and geysers, rich farmland, glorious national parks, luxuriant forests and stunning lakes.

Day 34: Auckland
The beautiful city of Auckland is the largest in New Zealand, situated on North Island in the spectacular Hauraki Gulf. Here you’ll find a subtropical climate, thermal springs and geysers, rich farmland, glorious national parks, luxuriant forests, stunning lakes and more. Today we include a city tour then leave you to explore on your own and get used to the time difference.

Meals: Breakfast

Day 35: Auckland
The beautiful city of Auckland is the largest in New Zealand, situated on North Island in the spectacular Hauraki Gulf. Here you’ll find a subtropical climate, thermal springs and geysers, rich farmland, glorious national parks, luxuriant forests, stunning lakes and more. Today we include a city tour then leave you to explore on your own and get used to the time difference.

Meals: Breakfast

Day 36: Paihia
New Zealand’s Bay of Islands is quite simply beautiful, and the journey northwards is equally special. Travelling up the Hibiscus Coast, you will visit the historic Treaty House of Waitangi, where in 1840 the Maori accepted British sovereignty over their traditional lands. Paihia is your base for the next three nights, the ideal spot from where to explore the Bay of Islands.

Meals: Breakfast

Day 37: Paihia
Today you are free to relax and explore Paihia’s three bays, or why not join your Tour Manager for what has been described as one of the finest scenic day tours in the world – a visit to Cape Reinga. On how many other day trips could you take a drive along Ninety Mile Beach, negotiate the Te Paki Quick Sand Stream, visit a lighthouse, send a postcard to the folks back home from New Zealand’s most northerly post box, and admire the spectacular view of the mighty blue Pacific meeting the deep green Tasman Sea? Surely a day to remember for the rest of your life.

Meals: Breakfast

Day 38: Paihia
Another day of relaxation in Paihia, or take the opportunity to cruise to Cape Brett, discovering more of the spectacular Bay of Islands. Be dazzled by glorious white sandy beaches and keep an eye out for the dolphins that play in the waters all around – truly a magical place.

Meals: Breakfast

Day 39: Rotorua
The warm, emerald green North Island was shaped originally by the fire of volcanoes, and evidence of this remains in the thermal springs surrounding Rotorua, which is your destination today. Your journey will take you south through Ngaruawahia, home of the late Maori Queen, before continuing to Rotorua, where you’ll stay for the next two nights.

Meals: Breakfast

Day 40: Rotorua
Boiling mud pools and spouting geysers add a touch of the dramatic to today’s visit to Te Puia Thermal Reserve. This area of natural hot springs is well-deserved of its reputation as a must-see sight. Another renowned natural highlight that has to be seen when in New Zealand is the rare kiwi bird, from where New Zealanders have earned their affectionate nickname. You’ll get the chance to see the kiwi for yourself if you join the optional excursion to Rainbow Springs, which also visits the Agrodome to see a display of working sheep dogs in action. This evening, there’s the opportunity to experience a traditional Maori concert and sample a Hangi, which is a meal cooked by steam underground, a method that has been used for centuries.

Meals: Breakfast

Day 41: Wellington
The spectacular Huka Falls offer a perfect photo opportunity in a day of photo opportunities as you travel southwards through the Wairakei Valley to Lake Taupo, the largest freshwater lake in New Zealand, and on to the capital, Wellington. Sat on the southern tip of North Island, you’ll discover the highlights of the city on a tour that will help you get your bearings, before checking in to your hotel for the next two nights.

Meals: Breakfast

Day 42: Wellington
If yesterday’s tour of Wellington whetted your appetite, then today’s tour will be a feast for your senses. Discover the city on foot with high points including Te Papa Museum, the waterfront, the beautiful botanical gardens and even a trip in the famous Wellington Cable Car. Opened in the early 20th century to link Wellington and the suburb of Kelburn, this funicular railway isn’t just a tourist destination, it’s used by the locals every day to get to and from work and the university, located in Kelburn.

Meals: Breakfast

Day 43: Christchurch
The three-hour crossing across the Cook Strait from North Island to South Island offers the chance to reflect on all you have seen on your holiday so far, and to anticipate all that is yet to come. On arrival in Picton, you’ll continue on your journey to Christchurch. The beguiling South Island offers a complete contrast to the North. It’s a land of mountains, glaciers and spectacular fjords. Its sparse population of just one million people shares the island with 40 million sheep. Here amongst the grandeur of the snow-capped peaks, still fjords and rugged coastline you’ll find a warm welcome. This evening enjoy a traditional Kiwi dinner.

Meals: Breakfast

Day 44: Hokitika
From Christchurch you’ll board the TranzAlpine train for the spectacular journey into the Southern Alps. Surely a highlight of any visit to New Zealand, you’ll travel from Christchurch to Arthur’s Pass, the highest railway station on the South Island. Be sure not to forget your camera, as the majestic gorges and towering snow-capped peaks of the Southern Alps are simply jaw-dropping – family and friends back home won’t believe all your stories without seeing the proof for themselves! You will then continue on to Hokitika. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure at your beachfront hotel.

Meals: Breakfast

Day 45: Fox Glacier
Your journey continues as you travel south today to the magnificent scenery and glaciers of the Franz Josef and Fox Glacier regions.

Meals: Breakfast

Day 46: Queenstown
The road through the Westland National Park has to be one of the most scenic ever built, crossing Clark Bluff and the Haast River Bridge. But don’t just take our word for it, experience it for yourself! Today’s journey ends in Queenstown, where you stay for two nights.

Meals: Breakfast

Day 47: Queenstown
With its reputation as New Zealand’s capital of adventure, there is plenty of action to be had in Queenstown, from bungy jumping and rafting to skydiving, there’s no end to the thrills. With a day at leisure in Queenstown, you can have as much – or as little – adventure as you’d like. Perhaps take an exciting ride on a jet boat, or if that’s a little too thrilling, then a relaxing cruise on Lake Wakatipu or a gondola trip may be more your cup of tea – there really is something for everyone here.

Meals: Breakfast

Day 48: Te Anau
Today we include a highlight of your holiday – a full-day excursion to beautiful Milford Sound – one of the most beautiful locations in New Zealand. Weather permitting, a boat trip on the fjord has to be the best way to take in the majesty and beauty of Milford Sound. Overnight accommodation has been arranged.

Meals: Breakfast

Day 49: Dunedin
With their eerie light, the amazing Glow Worm Caves are a sight to behold, before departing on the journey to charming Dunedin, a city originally planned and settled by the Church of Scotland. Your drive will take you via Lumsden, Gore and Balclutha.

Meals: Breakfast

Day 50: Omarama
It’s time to start travelling northwards again, stopping to see the Moeraki beach boulders. These huge, spherical rocks dotting a stretch of beach near Moeraki are shrouded in myth and legend as to their creation, but one thing is for certain, they are a spectacular sight to behold. You will than follow the Waitiki River inland to Omarama for an overnight stay.

Meals: Breakfast

Day 51: Auckland
This morning you’ll head towards the Mount Cook region, stopping at Lake Tekapo before heading over Burkes Pass and continuing on across the Canterbury plains. Mount Cook is the highest peak in New Zealand at 12,000ft, and an optional scenic flight (weather dependent) will give you the chance to fully appreciate its enormity. Late afternoon arrival into Christchurch for your flight to Auckland where you will stay overnight.

Meals: Breakfast

Day 52: Auckland/UK
Transfer to the airport for your return flight to the UK via Hong Kong. By re-crossing the International Dateline you gain time and arrive the next day.

Meals: Breakfast

Day 53: UK
Arrival in the UK.

Please note

To maximise your enjoyment of this holiday a certain amount of walking is essential.

Accommodation throughout is in hotels of a comfortable standard, typical of the hotels you will stay in are:

4-star Travelodge Perth
4-star Mirambeena Resort Darwin
3.5-star Gagudju Crocodile Inn at Kakadu National Park
3-star All Seasons Katherine Hotel
3.5-star Aurora Alice Springs
3.5-star Outback Pioneer Hotel Ayers Rock
3.5-star Cairns Queenslander Hotel
3.5-star Travelodge Wynyard in Sydney.
3.5-star Mercure Canberra and in Melbourne
3.5-star Best Western The Travel Inn
3.5-star Sebel or 3-star Country Comfort Warrnambool Hotel
4-star Novotel Barossa Valley Resort
4-star Grand Chifley Adelaide
All hotels have a restaurant and a bar. All guest rooms have en suite facilities, TV and telephone and tea/coffee-making facilities.

In Dubai you will stay at the:

4-star Holiday Inn Downtown
located in the thriving Deira neighbourhood in downtown Dubai, an ideal base for exploring the city.

The hotel features a rooftop pool, fully-equipped gym and sauna. Comfortable guest rooms all have en suite facilities, TV, hairdryer, safe, coffee and tea-making facilities and mini-bar.

Accommodation throughout New Zealand is in hotels of a comfortable standard, typical of the hotels you will stay in are:

4-star Rendezvous Hotel in Auckland,
4-star Pacific Resort in Paihia
3.5-star Sudima Hotel in Rotorua
4-star West Plaza Hotel in Wellington
4-star Pavillions in Christchurch
4-star Beachfront Hokitika in Hokitika
4-star Scenic Circle Franz Josef Hotel at Franz Josef Glacier
3-star Goldridge Hotel in Queenstown
3.5-star Village Inn in Te Anau
4-star Mercure Leisure Lodge or 3-star Kingsgate Hotel in Dunedin
3-star Heritage Gateway Hotel in Omarama
All hotels will be confirmed in your final documentation.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Included excursions and visits

Perth sightseeing tour (half day)
Darwin city tour
Cruise on Yellow Waters Lagoon in Kakadu National Park
Jumping Crocodile cruise in Kakadu National Park
Visit to Nourlangie Rock in Kakadu National Park
Katherine Gorge cruise
Alice Springs sightseeing tour (half day)
Visit to camel farm
The Olgas visit
Ayers Rock caves visit
Great Barrier Reef catamaran trip
Sydney sightseeing tour (half day)
Sheep station visit
Canberra city tour
Visit to Australian War Memorial Museum
Melbourne sightseeing tour
Sightseeing tour of Barossa Valley
Jacobs Creek visitor centre visit with wine-tasting and lunch
Adelaide city tour

Optional excursions

Cruise on the Swan River, Fremantle
MacDonnell Mountain Range and Standley Chasm
Dawn balloon flight over the Outback
Sydney harbour cruise
Sydney by Night tour
Blue Mountains
Phillip Island’s ‘penguin parade’

Your holiday includes

All state and local taxes
Hotel porterage (one bag per person)
All airport taxes and security charges
Scheduled flights and internal flights as described
UK Airline Passenger Duty
Services of a Travelsphere Tour Manager
27 nights’ accommodation on a room-only basis, plus 3 lunches
18 nights’ accommodation with breakfast plus 1 dinner in New Zealand
3 nights’ accommodation with breakfast in Dubai

With 50 years’ experience in arranging escorted tours to exciting destinations across the globe, Travelsphere have built an excellent reputation founded on quality and value.

By choosing a Travelsphere escorted holiday you can travel with confidence, knowing that every aspect of your holiday has been carefully planned and arranged from start to finish. Further to this they are ATOL bonded and members of ABTA.

Travelsphere’s thorough planning of travel arrangements, itineraries and accommodation combined with the unique insight of their knowledgeable Tour Managers and Local Guides will enable you to experience the culture, traditions and hidden away places less accessible to other travellers.

Our Opinion
“Travelsphere are one of the biggest names in the Escorted Tour market. Finely tuned over the last 50 years their tours have been tried, tested and refined by thousands of customers.”